Knoch High School renovation will bring big changes to student life
SAXONBURG — Since the start of December, the routine for students and teachers at Knoch High School has changed. Where once there were dozens of parking spots, there is now a massive hole in the ground which is surrounded by construction fences.
In a few years’ time, if all goes according to plan, that hole in the ground will become a new addition to the high school, part of the Knoch School District’s planned $39 million renovation.
According to Ken Stapchuck, buildings and grounds director for the district, the addition to the high school will feature a cafeteria and kitchen space, along with a STEM lab and a new main entryway.
The space in the high school where the cafeteria is currently located will become a weight room with an indoor track.
The school’s current science hallway will be expanded to accommodate more science-dedicated classrooms.
“What they're going to do is, they're going to knock this wall out, and all of this area here will be science rooms,” Stapchuck said. “We're going to move the hallway from here to the outside wall.”
The renovation project will also include a face-lift for the high school auditorium, as well as a new wellness center and theater classroom.
The Knoch School Board awarded the bid for the general construction at their monthly meeting Nov. 8, allowing construction to begin on the renovation project this month. Originally, the renovation was meant to include a new student parking lot and drop-off area, but this had to be cut to keep costs down.
Starting with the first week of December, most of the entrance doors along Knoch Road have been blocked off by the construction, leaving one secure entrance door as well as the gym entrances.
Since breaking ground on the renovation project earlier this month, dozens of parking spots near the high school library have been off-limits to Knoch teachers and staff. While most students who drive already park in a lot across the street, teachers and staff who normally park near the library have had to park near Knoch’s intermediate elementary school.
“Everything's going really good,” Stapchuck said. “The kids are really understanding. The teachers are really understanding. This is progress, and I think everybody's excited.”
At last estimate, the renovation is expected to be complete in time for the 2025-26 school year.
